The Venice area will likely see two new hospitals open up soon. The state Agency for Health Care Administration on Monday issues certificate of need approvals for Sarasota Memorial Hospital to open a 90-bed acute care facility on Laurel Road and for Venice Regional Bayfront Health to open a replacement hospital on East Venice Avenue a quarter mile from its existing location.

“This is a win-win-win for our entire region,” said Sarasota Memorial CEO David Verinder. “Patients from south county who now have to drive to our main campus soon will be able to obtain care at a new state-of-the-art hospital…In addition, the new facility will bring our extensive physician base further south, which will support our efforts to establish a future hospital in North Port as well.”

At Venice Regional, leaders say they have needed to replace the 312-bed acute care hospital for some time. “It’s an older building,” said Bob Hite, Venice Regional marketing director. “We’ve put $30 million into it but we need a replacement hospital.”

Bob Moore, Venice Region CEO, says the certificate of need approval allows the hospital to continue providing the chief care to regional patients. “As our community’s hometown hospital, Venice Regional has a long history of caring for our friends and neighbors, and we are excited to continue that tradition in a new facility,” he says.

The two hospitals have at times been in legal conflict over each one’s plans to serve Venice. Either hospital could appeal the certificate of need approval in the next 30 days. But Kim Savage, Sarasota Memorial media public information officer, says the Sarasota hospital has no plans to do so. Hate said he could not speculate on whether Venice Regional would appeal.

Sarasota Memorial officials say it will take about three years to build the new hospital. The hospital already has hired Laurel Road President Sharon Roush to lead efforts to open the new facility, which hospital officials say will be the most significant addition in Sarasota Memorial’s 93-year history.

Venice Regional expects to break ground this year or in early 2019, and projects its new hospital will open in early 2021.

Nothing completes a beach trip under the blistering sun quite like a mountainous heap of freshly-churned gelato—it’s just the cherry on top! Teleport your toothsome cravings from Sarasota to the capital of Italy, at the gelato bar and cafe dubbed Made In Rome, stationed among the hubbub of the Siesta Key Village. Look no further for a hearty scoop, where you can sample the recently debuted, ever-so-peculiar yet tasty frozen concoction—Activated Charcoal.

As seen on the MTV reality TV show Siesta Key, Made In Rome proudly sports its honor as the first all-organic gelateria on the Key to utilize authentic Italian equipment and curating processes, and houses more than 20 flavors comprising a balance of both traditional Italian flavors like Cioccolato e Nocciola (chocolate hazelnut), Caffe del Professore (Teacher’s Coffee) and Croccante All’Amarena (crunchy cherry), as well as universal classics such as key lime pie, banana split and salted caramel. The activated charcoal gelato exhibits an intimidating and mysterious jet black coat, but its taste is nothing short of sumptuous. With a profile of subtle and delicate notes of vanilla, the outlandish flavor will bring an ironic lightness to virtually all who venture into it. The carbon ingredient of activated charcoal proves extremely beneficial to the digestive system, satisfying both the taste buds and the tummy, but beware: it may leave you with an obsidian-stained tongue!

For an equally satisfying beverage, indulge in a rich shake or fine Italian espresso. Made In Rome ensures environmental and dietary consciousness with cups and spoons constructed from 100% recyclable corn fiber, as well as gluten free, kosher and vegan waffle cones.

The Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County is now accepting applications for the 2018/2019 Tourist Development Cultural/Arts Grant Panel. These grants are bestowed yearly to artists and arts and culture institutions who submit applications for financial assistance on specific projects. Grant panelists should have a broad range of expertise and experience in the artistic and management areas of the arts, such as visual arts, performing arts, arts and cultural administration, business, finance, marketing or tourism. Typically, an overview session is held in October to assign projects, with an in-depth orientation in March and applicant interviews in the spring (April-May). Panelists must also be able to attend a variety of arts and cultural events throughout the year. Learn more about the program at the link below.

Twenty nonprofit board members from across the region have been selected to take part in the summer class of the Gulf Coast Board Institute, a program offered by Gulf Coast Community Foundation. The participants will begin the institute this Friday, July 13. Gulf Coast Board Institute provides high-level board governance training to active nonprofit board members in the Gulf Coast region. Participants will meet for four interactive, full-day training sessions over the next four weeks, covering topics such as the basics of nonprofit board governance and financial and legal oversight responsibilities. All components of the Board Institute are provided by Gulf Coast Community Foundation at no cost to participants. Community members taking part in the Summer 2018 Board Institute include Francine Goldberg of ALSO Youth, Lisa Krebs Knepp of Meals on Wheels of Sarasota, Tom Walker of WSLR and Florida Consumer Action Network, Larry Patton of Venice Chorale, Keenan Wooten of Manatee Community Action Agency and Lisl Liang of SRQ Media Group, Education Foundation of Sarasota County and Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. The next Gulf Coast Board Institute will be offered in October. Applications for the Fall 2018 Board Institute will be available online later this month.

Sarasota Memorial Hospital's Emergency Care Center is one of just 19 emergency departments across the nation—and the only one in Florida—to earn the prestigious Emergency Nurses Association Lantern Award in 2018. The award recognizes emergency departments that demonstrate excellent practice and innovative performance in leadership, education, advocacy and research. The national honor is a tribute to the SMH’s Emergency Care Center’s (ECC) "commitment to quality, safety and a healthy work environment," according to the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA), which announced award winners this week. Sarasota Memorial's main campus ECC received the award for a three-year period based on an extensive application that provided evidence of its superior patient and staff satisfaction results and successful performance-improvement programs. SMH's Emergency team shared the outcomes of several quality initiatives, including the reduction of door-to-treatment times and length of patients’ stay in the ECC, and the establishment of a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program to provide supportive, compassionate care to assault victims. The Lantern Award also recognized the department's excellent nurse retention and turnover rates, as well as staff's commitment to professionalism and education, demonstrated by their pursuit of advanced degrees and specialized certifications.

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County has announced the addition of Paul Hudson to its board of directors. The Board has also elected officers: Richard R. Gans, continuing his second year as chair; Nelle Miller, vice chair; Patrick Dorsey, treasurer; William Seider, secretary. Paul G. Hudson is senior vice president and senior managing Director at Northern Trust. Hudson will be responsible for leading the sales, holistic advice and client servicing activities and business development strategies. Hudson will work closely with various Centers of Influence and not-for-profit organizations in the community.

Caroleen B. Brej, esquire recently joined the law firm of Bentley & Bruning P.A. She concentrates her practice in the area of commercial litigation involving business and real estate disputes, handling both trials and civil proceedings. Brej received her undergraduate degree from the University of Florida in 2008 and her Juris Doctor from the University of Florida Levin College of Law in 2011. Upon moving to Sarasota in 2013, Brej became an assistant state attorney, representing the State of Florida in criminal misdemeanor, felony and juvenile cases. She successfully litigated over thirty criminal trials to verdict. And practiced complex product liability litigation involving defective medical devices and pharmaceuticals in both state and federal courts nationwide. Brej is actively involved in the Sarasota County Bar Association, serving on the board of directors for the Young Lawyers Division and on multiple committees, and is a board member of the Sarasota County Gator Club.

Sarasota Memorial Health Care System has received approval from the state to move ahead with its new hospital in Venice. Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration issued a final order granting the long-awaited "Certificate of Need,” which will allow SMH to open a new 90-bed acute care facility on Laurel Road. The approval is the last big hurdle in the multi-year application and approval process. Ultimately, AHCA agreed that SMH’s new facility will improve south county residents’ access to high-quality, affordable care and ease capacity challenges at its main Sarasota campus due to the large increase in patient volumes in recent years. Meanwhile, Sarasota Memorial continues to move full steam ahead with planning, designing and building the new 65-acre hospital campus. The efforts will be led by new Sarasota Memorial Hospital - Laurel Road President Sharon Roush. It will take about three years to build the new hospital, which will have 90 acute-care beds, 20 beds for observation patients and an Emergency Care Center with 25 treatment rooms.

[TODAY]SCIENCE AND NATURE:
Kayak Trip From Snook Haven Down The Myakka River , July 10, 8:30am-11:30am

Take a kayak trip led by John Sarkozy from the wild and scenic Myakka River, and travel downstream from Snook Haven. All kayak equipment will be provided and is included in the cost of the trip, which is $20 per person for ALS members and $25 for non-members. For those who want it, there will be a short training session given before launch.

American Littoral Society

[SOON]MUSIC:
Tops from Flops , July 11 – July 22

A musical review of America’s most treasured musical theater songs that came from some of Broadways biggest fiascos. Enjoy an evening of great and enduring all-time hits from composers like: George M. Cohan, Irving Berlin, Cole Porter and many more! An exuberant tour through the last 75 years of Broadways musical giants all spawned from Broadways biggest flops.

Troupes are coming from all over the country, from as far away as France and Spain, all ready to bring their best spontaneous hilarity to the Gulf Coast. Featuring an unprecedented THREE headliners - Baby Wants Candy (Chicago), Impro Madrid (Spain) and Impro Theatre(LA) - one for each day of the Festival. Plus, several returning favorites includingNorth Coast (NYC), Parallelogramophonograph (Austin, TX), ImprovBoston (Boston, MA), STACKED (Chicago, IL) and Available Cupholders (Austin, TX).

Florida Studio Theatre will bring together over 75 of the best improvisers from all over the country, from as far as France and Spain. Beyond 28 opportunities to witness skillful spontaneity performed by professional improvisers, attendees will also have 16 opportunities to dive into their own comedic creativity with one full day of workshops running Saturday, July 14 from 9AM to 4PM. Led by Festival performers, participants will have the chance to learn from some of the best in the industry with workshops ranging across a variety of skill and experience levels.

Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 North Palm Ave., Sarasota.

[SOON]GALLERY:
Salon D'Art , July 13, 4:00pm-5:00pm

Every second Friday of the month, the Art Center holds a lively and informative discussion group, free and open to everyone. A famous artist(s) is featured each month; this month, artist Wassily Kandinsky is the focus of the group. Join the fun and chat with artists, art lovers, and the curious minded.

Art Center Sarasota, 707 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]PERFORMANCE:
Swing Thru The Decades , July 15, 7pm

Come celebrate the music and experience the heart-pounding visual excitement of “Swing Dancing” from the 1920s, 30s, 40s all the way to the 2000’s, performed on stage by Wilsons Dance Club International’s World Class Dancers and Performers.The show also sees the much anticipated return of international performers: Artur Kozun and Natasha Barrera. The show is directed & choreographed by Wilson Barrera- 3 Time Global Ballroom Dance Champion and one of this year’s hand selected international judges at the world renowned “Blackpool Dance Festival” in Blackpool, England.

Enjoy quiet water, open-seated kayaking and exploration from Casperson Beach to Lemon Bay. All kayak equipment will be provided and is included in the cost of the trip, which is $20 for ALS members and $25 for non-members.

American Littoral Society

[SOON]THEATER:
The Music of the Night , July 17 – August 19

The Swingaroos return to the cabaret with an all-new show—Music of the Night. Offering their swingin'est versions of songs embraced by the worlds of theatre and jazz, this hit show overflows with hits by the Gershwins, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, Rodgers & Hart, Kander & Ebb and many more. With a touch of 30s and 40s flair and bold arrangements, The Swingaroos lend a spirited voice to the most-cherished American songs and personalities of the past century.

Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 North Palm Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]SCIENCE AND NATURE:
Kayak Trip Through The Waterways of Nokomis , July 17, 8:30am-11:30am

John Sarkozy will lead a kayak expedition through the bays and canals around Nokomis, exploring the small islands, the birds and the marine life of the area. All kayak equipment will be provided and is included in the cost of the trip, which is $20 for ALS members and $25 for non-members. A short training class will be offered before the launch, for those interested.

New York City’s premier hip-hop comedy team, North Coast, is extending its stay in Sarasota following the 10th Anniversary Sarasota Improv Festival. After the festival, running from July 12-14, North Coast will be in residence at FST for an additional week, leading workshops and delivering special encore performances on July 20 and 21 in FST’s Bowne’s Lab Theatre at 7:30pm each night. Workshops are $35 and are limited to 16 people. Those interested in discovering their own creative spontaneity can register for workshops by calling Pamela Smith, Education Administrator, at (941) 366-1350.

Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 North Palm Ave, Sarasota.

[SOON]THEATER:
The Little Mermaid , July 20 – July 21

Disney's The Little Mermaid is a stage musical based on the animated 1989 Disney film of the same name about a mermaid who dreams of the world above the sea and gives up her voice to find love. Come see the theater bring classic underwater tale alive.

Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 3rd Ave. West, Bradenton

[SOON]SCIENCE AND NATURE:
Kayak Trip From Snook Haven Down The Myakka River , July 24, 8:30am-11:30am

Take a kayak trip led by John Sarkozy from the wild and scenic Myakka River, and travel downstream from Snook Haven. All kayak equipment will be provided and is included in the cost of the trip, which is $20 per person for ALS members and $25 for non-members. For those who want it, there will be a short training session given before launch.

Join John Sarkozy, as he shows you the natural beauty of Little Sarasota Bay. All kayak equipment will be supplied to you and is included in the cost of the trip, which is $20 for ALS members and $25 for non-members. A short training session will be given before the trip for those who wish to take it. Take a break on the “crown jewel” of local beaches and take a swim or a walk before paddling back to the mainland.

The SRQ Transformative Philanthropy luncheon and panel discussion will explore the organizations and individuals who are changing the face of the nonprofit world through innovative approaches, strategic alliances and groundbreaking initiatives that foster and employ engagement to make a difference. The luncheon will culminate with presentation of the SRQ Local Philanthropy Hero Award honoring area trailblazers whose passion and drive are benefitting nonprofit organizations along the Gulfcoast.

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is continuing their Friday Fest summertime concert series with Reverend Barry & the Funk. Bassist and lead singer Barry Nicholson only has one goal for the band: to keep the crowd dancing all night long! The group regularly performs at nightclubs, parties, and private events around Sarasota. Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, and Prince are just a few of the classic artists that audiences will hear from this dynamic group. And while you’re enjoying the music, be sure to check out Van Wezel’s selection of food trucks, drink vendors, and more! This seven-piece band--including a live horn section--will make this Friday Fest the best one yet!

Learn to make a Stained Glass Suncatcher with artist Pamela Kramer, using the traditional copper foil techniques with lead free solder. Many colors are available and all tools will be provided to complete your masterpiece! Bring a friend and start creating! Seating is limited so register today! Tickets cost $40.00 and include supplies, wine or beer, and light snacks.

ArtCenter Manatee , 209 9th St West, Bradenton, FL 34205

[SOON]MUSIC:
1st Annual Sun n Fun Music Festival , July 27 – July 29

This festival will rock Sarasota's residents and RVs. Bands featured include Kiss America, a slammin' Kiss cover band, the Shane Duncan Band for country music lovers, Rush Hour, an intriguing Countdown Reloaded cover band and many more. You will not want to miss this day of music, food and fun.

Sun n Fun RV Resort, 7125 Fruitville Rd., Sarasota.

SRQ DAILY is produced by SRQ | The Magazine.Note: The views and opinions expressed in the Saturday Perspectives Edition and in the Letters department of SRQ DAILY are those of the author(s) and do not imply endorsement by SRQ Media. Senior Editor Jacob Ogles edits the Saturday Perspective Edition, Letters and Guest Contributor columns.In the CocoTele department, SRQ DAILY is providing excerpts from news releases as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SRQ DAILY. The views expressed by individuals are their own and their appearance in this section does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. For rates on SRQ DAILY banner advertising and sponsored content opportunities, please contact Ashley Ryan Cannon at 941-365-7702 x211 or via email

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SRQ Media transforms what it means to live and love local through its portfolio of hyper-local print and online publications including its flagship city regional SRQ Magazine, its documentary, and video production division Moving Stories and non-profit development division Story Project. The SRQ Media team leverages its strong audience footprint to catalyze visionary community programs such as SB2: Regional Symposia Series, Women in Business, SMARTgirl, SkillSHARE and ProjecThinkby engaging individuals to positively impact their hometown of Sarasota and the Bradenton Area situated on the vibrant West Coast of Florida.

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